Why you need to upgrade to the new Makita LS1016L

Designing and building motors since 1915, Makita is still one of the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. After the fall of the radial arm saw in the 1990s, their compound mitre saw started growing enormously in popularity. The LS1016 (the 10-inch version, hence the “10”) and the LS1216 (the 12-inch) are the newest models in Makita’s lineup of mitre saws. The old LS1013 and LS1214 were workhorses that lasted longer than most people hoped. So when the new model came out, almost everyone had large expectations.

It appears that most power tool manufacturers are in a race to redesign the mitre saw. Bosch took it to a new level and created a new arm with their Axial-Glide, while Makita went in a different direction by making two sets of shorter rails, which stack up on top of each other to minimize deflection. This is tethered with six linear ball bearings to deliver some of the most accurate cuts on the market.

Makita redesigned the rail system for vibration-free cutting and minimal movement in the saw blade. These Makita models also have a soft start and electronic speed control. Because of the powerful 15-amp motor, which is an improvement from the LS1013, at 13 amps, the speed control allows for blade speed consistency, making cuts on large stock easily and without burnout. Unlike other models, which needs a high gauge extension cord, the Makita doesn’t pull the full 15 AMPs from startup, reducing problems with power issues in construction zones. The double sliding fence system might not be new, but it is essential for proper support when cutting an array of both small and large materials.

One of the biggest advantages that the LS1016 has over the competition is its geared-down motor system. This allows for the highest torque and greatest capacity for a direct drive motor. Most direct-drives add a large amount of bulk on the arbor side; Makita eliminates this by gearing the motor in a downward direction. This provides the greatest amount of room when cutting at a 45-degree angle on the side of the motor. Because of the higher motor location, the right tilt at 45 degrees allows sawing at 1-11/16”, which is an improvement over 1-1/4″ for the LS1013. Overall, the increased capacity cuts up to 6-5/8″ crown molding (vertically nested), 4-3/4″ baseboard (vertical), and 12″ crosscuts at 90°, which is the greatest capacity in its class.

The laser that comes with the LS1016L and the LS1216L has an optional on-off feature, so we can all spend less time debating how accurate a laser is, and turn it off when needed. With all these extra features, and weighing only 53lbs, it’s easy to say the Makita lS1016 is worth upgrading from the older LS1013.